Credit Card Activation

Once issued, credit card activation becomes crucial in availing credit card services. A credit card is a financial tool with a pre-set limit which allows the customer to make purchases and pay for them later. It can be used for online and offline purchases and has many attractive offers. While it is a necessary step, the whole process is usually simple, quick and hassle-free. 

Without activation, you would not be able to use your credit card. Check below credit card activation complete details with all the important aspects, such as the different ways of activating your credit card, existing policies of major banks around credit card activation and much more. 

How To Activate A Credit Card?

The credit card activation process differs from bank to bank. There are a number of ways through which a credit card can be activated. Banks offer offline as well as online methods of card activation. While offline methods include physically swiping the card and following the bank’s customer care instructions, online methods include activating the card through your bank’s official app or using the net banking facilities. 

A credit card must be activated within 30 days of issue; if failed, a 7-day grace period is provided. A non-compliance with the activation process within these 37 days would result in the closure of the card by the bank.

How To Activate Your Credit Card Online?

Internet banking and mobile apps are the most commonly used ways of activating credit cards online. These methods require you to submit a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Banks provide PINs to their customers in a number of ways. While some banks discreetly allot the PIN to their customers at the time of the card’s delivery, most banks suggest that customers change their allotted PIN and guide them to generate a new PIN online, through SMS or a nearby ATM.  

Steps to Activate Credit Card via Internet Banking

Activating your credit card using the Internet banking facility is easy and simple. You can follow the given steps to activate your credit card.

• Visit your bank’s official website
• Log in to the Internet Banking page using your Username and Password
• Choose ‘card activation’
• Enter the details asked by the portal, such as the credit card number, expiry date, CVV and date of birth
• Click on ‘submit’
• Enter your PIN on the new page and click on ‘submit’
• The banks will send an OTP to your registered mobile number
• Enter the OTP and select ‘continue’

You can activate your credit card through Internet banking with these simple steps. 

Steps to Activate Credit Card via Mobile App

Banks today have mobile applications allowing customers to access many banking facilities through smartphones. Follow the steps below to activate your credit card using your bank’s official app.

• Download your bank’s official mobile application through The Google Play Store for Android phones and The App Store for iPhones.
• Choose ‘Register’
• Select ‘activate a card’
• Choose the ‘credit card’ option
• Enter the required details like the card number, expiry date, CVV and your date of birth
• The bank will send an OTP to your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP and select ‘submit’
• Create a user ID and password, and your card will be activated

How to Activate Your Credit Card Offline? 

If online logins and mobile applications are not your preferences, other ways to activate your credit card offline exist. One of the ways to activate your credit card is by visiting the nearest ATM. After inserting the card in the slot, you will be required to enter the PIN given by the bank. The machine will then ask you to set up a new PIN, following which your card will be activated.

Customer Care Service

Bank’s customer services can be availed by visiting the branch where you’ve opened your bank account. The service agents there can guide you through a number of available card activation options and help you figure out which one is best for you. Alternatively, the bank’s customer helpline can also be contacted to seek help regarding card activation. You will need the bank’s official customer helpline number, which can easily be obtained through their website. 

Some banks also have dedicated numbers on which you must send a missed call. The bank will respond to you through a message guiding you through the card activation process. 

Banks also provide credit card activation facilities via SMS. You can check with your bank if they offer this facility by visiting your nearest branch or checking the pamphlet provided in the card kit. In most cases, you must send a pre-defined SMS to the number provided by your bank. The bank will respond to your SMS request to guide you through the credit card activation process. 

Activation Process of Top Bank Credit Cards

As mentioned earlier, different banks offer different ways to ease the card activation process for their customers. The activation processes of some of the major Indian banks are listed below.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Activating Your Bank’s Credit Card

Here is the step-by-step procedure to activate credit cards for different banks in India.

HDFC Credit Card Activation

Following are the steps on how to activate HDFC credit cards via net banking, ATM banking, and customercare number:

Net Banking

• Visit the HDFC Bank website and log in to your net banking account using your customer ID and password.
• Navigate to the ‘Cards’ tab and select ‘Credit Cards’. Under the ‘Credit Card’ section, find the ‘Activate your Credit Card’ option.
• Choose the credit card you wish to activate from the list of your registered cards.
• Enter the necessary details, such as your card number, expiration date, and CVV, as prompted.
• Verify your information and confirm the activation. You will receive an OTP on your registered mobile number for final verification.
• Enter the OTP and click on ‘Submit.’ Your HDFC credit card activation online will be completed and ready for use.

ATM Banking

• Make a call to 1860 266 0333 and follow the instructions.
• You might receive an OTP on your registered phone number.
• Locate your nearest HDFC ATM and insert your credit card into the machine.
• Choose your preferred language for the ATM interface.
• Choose the option ‘Create new ATM PIN using OTP.’
• Input the OTP sent to your phone.
• Provide your registered phone number.
• Set up your desired 4-digit PIN.
• You will receive a confirmation message indicating successful activation.

Customer Care Number

• Dial the toll-free number 1860 266 0333 using your registered phone number.
• Enter the last four digits of your credit card number and press the hash key (#).
• When prompted to ‘Generate OTP,’ press 1.
• An OTP will be sent to your mobile number via SMS.
• Input the 6-digit OTP received on your registered phone number.
• Set your 4-digit PIN and press the hash key (#) to confirm.

SBI Credit Card Activation

For SBI credit card activation through net banking, ATM banking, and customercare number, follow the simple steps given below:

Net Banking

• Visit the SBI Bank website and log in to your account using your user ID and password.
• Go to the ‘Requests’ section in the menu.
• Choose ‘Card Activation’ from the list of services.
• Enter your card details, including the card number and CVV.
• Verify the information and click on ‘Submit’.
• An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to complete the activation process.

ATM Banking

• Locate your nearest SBI ATM and insert your credit card into the machine.
• Choose your preferred language for the ATM interface.
• Use the temporary ATM PIN received with your credit card.
• Select the “Services” option, then choose “Credit Card Activation” from the ATM menu.
• Enter the required details as prompted by the ATM screen to complete the activation process.
• Once the activation is successful, you will receive a confirmation message on the ATM screen.

Customer Care Number

• Contact the SBI credit card customer helpline at 1860 180 1290 or 39 02 02 02.
• Select your preferred language.
• Choose option 6 to generate a PIN.
• Provide your card details and date of birth.
• Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number or email ID.
• Set the PIN to activate your SBI credit card.

ICICI Credit Card Activation

Here is a step-by-step guide for ICICI credit card activation via net banking, ATM banking, and customercare number:

Net Banking

• Visit the ICICI Bank portal and log in with your user ID and password.
• Once logged in, click on ‘Cards & Loans’ under the main menu tab. Select ‘Credit Cards’ from the options available.
• Click on ‘Generate Credit Card PIN online’ and enter your card’s CVV number.
• Click ‘Submit’ to receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP number and proceed to set your new PIN.
• Once you have set your new PIN, your ICICI credit card will be activated and ready for use.

ATM Banking

• Locate your nearest ICICI ATM and insert your credit card into the machine.
• Choose your preferred language for the ATM interface.
• Use the temporary ATM PIN received with your credit card.
• Select the “More Options” or “Services” option, then choose “Credit Card Activation” from the ATM menu.
• Enter the required details as prompted by the ATM screen to complete the activation process.
• Once the activation is successful, you will receive a confirmation message on the ATM screen.

Customer Care Number

• Call the ICICI Credit Card customer care number at 1800 200 3344.
• Follow the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) instructions to generate the credit card PIN.
• Ensure you call from your registered mobile number.
• Provide your card details as prompted.
• Validate through OTP and set your preferred PIN to activate the credit card.

Axis Bank Credit Card Activation

Following are the steps for Axis credit card activation using net banking, ATM banking, and customercare number:

Net Banking

• Visit the Axis Bank website and log in with your user ID and password.
• Click on the ‘Accounts’ section and select ‘My Credit Cards’.
• Click on the ‘More Services’ option and choose ‘Credit Card PIN Change’.
• Select your credit card from the list and enter the necessary card details, such as the last 4-digits card number, expiration date, and CVV number.
• Click ‘Go’ to receive an OTP on your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP received and proceed to set your new PIN. Confirm the PIN to complete the activation process.
• Your Axis Bank credit card will now be activated and ready for use.

ATM Banking

• Find the nearest Axis Bank ATM and insert your credit card.
• Select your preferred language for the ATM interface.
• Enter the temporary ATM PIN that came with your credit card.
• Choose the “Services” option, then select “Credit Card Activation” from the menu.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and enter the required details to complete the activation process.
• You may receive a confirmation message on the ATM screen stating that activation is successful.

Customer Care Number

• Call Axis Bank Customer Care at 1860 419 5555.
• Follow the IVR prompts to generate a PIN for your credit card.
• Enter your card number, expiry date, date of birth, and registered phone number.
• You may receive OTP on your registered phone number.
• Once you type your OTP, you will be prompted to enter your preferred credit card PIN.
• A confirmation message will sent to your registered phone number.

Kotak Mahindra Bank Credit Card Activation

You can activate your Kotak Mahindra Bank Credit Card via any of the following methods:

Net Banking

• Visit the Kotak Mahindra Bank net banking portal.
• Enter your Customer Relationship Number (CRN) and password to log into your account.
• Navigate to the ‘Credit Cards’ section.
• Click on ‘Service Requests’ and select either ‘Card Activation’ or ‘Generate Card PIN.’
• Enter your credit card number, expiration date, and date of birth.
• An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
• Enter the OTP to verify your identity.
• Input a new PIN of your choice and confirm it.
• Your Kotak credit card activation will be completed and ready for use.

ATM Banking

• Insert your card into the ATM slot.
• Enter the initial PIN you received.
• You will be directed to the ‘Create New PIN’ page.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to create your new PIN and activate your card.
• You will receive a confirmation message on the ATM screen upon successful activation.

Customer Care Number

• Give a missed call to 7669010000 from your registered mobile number.
• This number can be found in the welcome kit.
• Kotak Bank will capture your consent to activate your credit card.

Yes Bank Credit Card Activation

Below are the pertinent  steps to activate your Yes Bank credit card through net banking, ATM banking, and customercare number:

Net Banking

• Visit the Yes Bank official website and log in to your net banking account using your user ID and Password.
• Once logged in, go to the ‘Cards’ section from the main menu.
• Under the ‘Credit Cards’ tab, select the ‘Credit Card Activation’ option.
• You will be prompted to enter your new credit card details, including the card number, expiry date, and CVV.
• An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number.
• Once the OTP is verified, you will be prompted to set a 4-digit PIN for your credit card. Choose a secure PIN and confirm it.
• Thus, you will receive a confirmation message on the screen and via SMS, indicating that your credit card has been successfully activated.

ATM Banking

• Go to the nearest Yes Bank ATM and insert your card.
• Select your preferred language and choose the ‘Create PIN using OTP’ option.
• Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• On the next screen, create a unique 4-digit PIN for your card.
• Re-enter the PIN and press the ‘Submit’ button.
• You will receive a message on your registered mobile number confirming the successful activation of your Yes Bank credit card.

Customer Care Number

• For Yes First/Premia cards, call 1800 103 6000, and for Yes Prosperity cards, call 1800 103 1212.
• Follow the prompts provided by the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system.
• Provide the necessary details as requested.
• Validate through OTP and set your preferred PIN.
• You will receive a confirmation message once your Yes Bank credit card is activated.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) Credit Card Activation

You can use any of the given steps to activate your PNB credit card, mentioning both online and offline:

Net Banking

• Visit the PNB official website and log in to your net banking account using your credentials (User ID and Password).
• Navigate to the ‘Credit Card Services’ section on the main menu.
• Select the ‘Activate Credit Card’ option within the Credit Card Services menu.
• Enter the necessary details for your new credit card, including the card number, expiration date, and CVV.
• An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter this OTP in the provided field to verify your identity.
• Once the OTP is successfully verified, you will be prompted to set a 4-digit PIN for your credit card. Choose a secure PIN and confirm it.
• A confirmation message will appear on the screen, and you will also receive an SMS confirming that your PNB credit card activation has been completed successfully.

ATM Banking

• Insert your PNB credit card into the ATM.
• Choose your preferred language from the available options on the ATM screen.
• Input the PIN associated with your PNB credit card.
• Select the ‘Credit Card Activation’ option from the main menu.
• Confirm your card details as the ATM prompts to ensure accuracy.
• Complete any additional authentication steps as the ATM system requires.
• A message confirming your credit card activation will appear on the screen.

Customer Care Number

• Call the PNB customer care number on your credit card’s back (1800 180 2345).
• Choose your preferred language from the available options in the automated menu.
• Navigate through the menu options to select ‘Credit Card Services.’
• Opt to speak directly with a customer care representative for activation assistance.
• Provide necessary identification details such as your credit card number, date of birth, and any other requested information.
• Listen for the confirmation from the representative that your credit card has been successfully activated.

IndusInd Bank Credit Card Activation

Following is the step-by-step guide for your IndusInd Bank credit card activation via net banking, ATM banking, and customercare number:

Net Banking

• Visit the bank’s credit card service page.
• Enter the last four digits of your card number and your registered mobile number.
• Input the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
• Set up your PIN and enable your card for online transactions.

ATM Banking

• Visit an IndusInd Bank ATM and insert your credit card.
• Select your preferred language and choose the PIN generation option.
• Generate your PIN and change it to your desired 4-digit PIN for security.
• Verify with the OTP and submit.

Customer Care Number

• Dial the toll-free number 1860 267 7777 or the number on the back of your card from your registered mobile number.
• Choose your preferred language.
• Adhere to the prompts to request your credit card PIN.
• A customer support agent will assist you.
• Follow the guidance provided by the customer care representative.
• Your card will be activated within a few minutes.